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Garland Public Health Clinic Offers Flu Shots

The City of Garland Public Health Clinic has scheduled a series of flu shot clinics throughout the city during October and November. Flu shots and other services also are available at the Public Health Clinic located at 206 Carver Drive.

Influenza, or “flu,” is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs and can easily spread from person to person. Getting vaccinated is the single best way to protect against the flu! Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes death. Infants and young children are at a greater risk for getting seriously ill from influenza. That’s why health experts recommend that all adults and children 6 months and older get vaccinated against influenza each fall or winter.

Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. The “flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May. During this time, flu viruses are circulating in the population. An annual flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chance of getting seasonal flu and spreading it to others.

Good hygiene habits help prevent infection, too. Wash your hands often and cover your coughs and sneezes. It’s best to use a tissue and quickly throw it away. If you don’t have a tissue, you should cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. This will prevent the spread of germs.

Influenza vaccine facts: • You can’t get the “flu” from the influenza vaccine • Children 6 months and older need a flu vaccine every year • A nasal-spray vaccine can be given to healthy children and adults (2 – 49 years old) • Children younger than 9 years old who are getting influenza vaccine for the first time need two doses • Ask for the high-dose influenza vaccine if you are 65 years or older

Tell your children to: • Stay away from people who are sick • Wash their hands often • Keep their hands away from their face • Cover coughs and sneezes to protect others

Influenza comes on suddenly. Most people with influenza feel extremely fatigued and have a high fever, headache, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and sore muscles.

For more information, please contact the Garland Public Health Clinic at 972-205-3370.